“I can see that,” I replied.
“It’s too much, isn’t it?”
I didn’t answer her.
“I knew it. It’s too much. I’m taking over. Give me a second and I’ll put it back,” Holly started, babbling as she reached for the wreath on the top of her cart.
I mightn’t be ready to put on Santa’s red suit, but seeing the sparkle in her eye, I wasn’t going to ruin it for her. Noelle might have been the child, filled with wonder, but itwas something she obviously inherited from her mother. And I wasn’t going to deprive either of them.
“It’s perfect. Get it all.”
“Are you sure?” Holly asked nervously, her fingers still toying with the edge of the wreath she’d picked up. It was beautiful. Even I could admit that. With its snow-dusted pine cones and bright red bows, it was classy yet Christmasy—something I hadn’t thought was possible.
“Absolutely. If you’ve got everything, why don’t I meet you up front and we can get out of here?” I suggested, knowing there was something I wanted.
“S-sure,” Holly replied, eyeing me warily.
I waited until Holly was headed toward the registers before I turned and ducked down the aisle. I mightn’t be up on all the current holiday trends, but there was one I’d never forgotten. Finding what I needed, I found them by the cashier as I tried to hide my shopping.
I got there just as the server was handing Holly a receipt.
“Wait! Did you pay?” I asked, shocked.
“Ah, yeah. I mean, you’re doing this for us. Of course, I was going to pay.” Holly shrugged, and the server turned away, leaving me to face Holly alone.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I grumbled.
“And you didn’t have to let us crash at your place,” Holly countered.
Woman was stubborn, I’d give her that.
“Can I at least carry the bags?” I replied, trying not to sound annoyed.
“Sure,” Holly conceded before calling for Noelle, who was over by the nativity display.
I shoved my hand in my pocket and yanked out the keys. “Here you go. Why don’t you two head on out and I’ll bring these,” I offered, pointing to the bags.
“Is everything okay, Chris?”
“Yeah? Why?”
“I dunno. You’re acting … kinda strange,” Holly called me out.
“Everything’s fine. Meet you in the truck in a minute.”
The look she sent in my direction told me she didn’t believe me, but she was letting it slide. For now anyway. Noelle skipped over and took Holly’s hand, and together, they walked out into the cold.
“Cute family Chris,” the cashier mumbled.
Ignoring his comment, I handed him my shopping. “Just add this?” I asked before hastily adding a pathetic please.
“Sure. Want a bag?”
“Yep.”
Quickly, I paid for my purchase, collected all the bags, and headed out to the truck. After loading everything, I checked the straps holding the tree on the roof were tight and jumped in. Holly had started the car, and the heat was blasting and the stereo blaring. But it was their off-key, out-of-time singing that had me grinning like a carnival clown. I don’t remember the last time I’d smiled so big. I don’t think I ever had.
“Right, everyone in?” I called out as the song and the singing came to an end.
